Cap, or no cap?

[amsterdamn]

I found a new capacitor like this one for only $25. But the audio system does not require one. Should I install it anyway, or just sell it?

[pl4yboy]

Sell it. Capacitors are band aids for bigger problems. I ran 3200 watts RMS for 3 years daily with no cap. If your electrical system is up to snuff you will have no issues. Make sure you have a good alternator, the right size wire, and good connections and you're fine. The Big 3 upgrade is the best thing you can do for under 50 bucks on a vehicle.

[oleshifty]

I run a cap, just for the peace of mind. They are so cheap nowadays, might as well. I've done the big 3, optima, bigger alt, etc. Still seemed like less dimming at idle with system going.n Plus, they look cool

[Frenchy]

I just live with the gauges dimming. Gotta have the Waylon ear bleeding loud.

[pl4yboy]

I run a cap, just for the peace of mind. They are so cheap nowadays, might as well. I've done the big 3, optima, bigger alt, etc. Still seemed like less dimming at idle with system going.n Plus, they look cool

The problem with a cap is you don't know when you're clipping. It also puts undue stress on the electrical system that is already inadequate.

[lo-lyf]

Sell it. Capacitors are band aids for bigger problems. I ran 3200 watts RMS for 3 years daily with no cap. If your electrical system is up to snuff you will have no issues. Make sure you have a good alternator, the right size wire, and good connections and you're fine. The Big 3 upgrade is the best thing you can do for under 50 bucks on a vehicle.

agreed

The problem with a cap is you don't know when you're clipping. It also puts undue stress on the electrical system that is already inadequate.

and agreed.

caps are kinda one of those things that companies can put a 100% (or more) mark up on because the average joe will buy a cap before a 250 amp alternator or deep cycle battery or power cell.

[amsterdamn]

The problem with a cap is you don't know when you're clipping. It also puts undue stress on the electrical system that is already inadequate.

This is the kind of answer I was looking for. I searched around the web for a while and found many people who recommend a cap. I read only a few who were against caps altogether, but not one explained why. I just got tired of looking around (plus I have more important things to do) and figured I'd get a good answer here. Thanks.

[amsterdamn]

So... when I have 30 posts, I'll have a nice capacitor for sale. I'll give you a good deal on it!

[pl4yboy]

This is the kind of answer I was looking for. I searched around the web for a while and found many people who recommend a cap. I read only a few who were against caps altogether, but not one explained why. I just got tired of looking around (plus I have more important things to do) and figured I'd get a good answer here. Thanks.

There are very few of us audiophiles around here. As a matter of fact, lo-lyf and I are about the only ones. For the longest time we fought and bickered about everything possible until we came to the realization that we just have different tastes in the same hobby.

[Frenchy]

So... when I have 30 posts, I'll have a nice capacitor for sale. I'll give you a good deal on it!

Congrats, first newb to realize ya need 30. Good on ya